WILMINGTON, Mass. — Defenseman Andrew Ference and forward Rich Peverley were the only two Bruins players to not practice today at Ristuccia Arena.

While head coach Claude Julien said Ference was battling the flu, the bench boss noted that Peverley was taking the first of at least two maintenance days to rest an undisclosed injury.

Julien said that Peverley would not practice Thursday either.

“We’re having a good look at our schedule and what it may do for him. We’re going to keep him off there for the next couple days,” said Julien. “Tomorrow’s certainly one of those days, and we’ll decide whether he’s in on Friday. And if not, that’ll give him almost a good week. So we’re going to be making a decision about him regarding his situation.”

The Bruins host Florida Friday night and then have Christmas Eve and Day off, as does the rest of the NHL. The Bruins could practice again December 26, but they don’t play another game until December 28 in Phoenix.

Despite a fracture in his foot, Gregory Campbell practiced today. Rest might help him feel better, but he said he’s “had enough days off.” Last week, Campbell missed three games with the injury.

Well, not all those forwards are going to get a chance to play, in Boston. Sometimes teams trade their spot for a higher draft spot, and throw in someone who has value. Example; There are a number of teams that Jordan Caron would dress always and play on the penalty kill. In fact, there a couple of teams he may be a top six forward. On the B’s, he has been a healthy scratch, more often than not. Max Sauve looked good in camp, as well, he might get some interest. Ryan Spooner, depending on who re-signs with the Bruins, may have a tough time breaking into the B’s lineup, but certainly he could play with some other teams. The B’s are probably going to pick late in this years draft. There are a number of good defenceman in this year’s draft, and our depth with D-men does not have the numbers that we have with forwards. As well, some of our present defence corps is getting a little “long on the tooth”. A package might be worked out so that we could get a shot at one on these defensive prospects.

I don’t think they are going to trade any of our present UFA’s. We need these guys to make a playoff run. However,I hope we sign the majority of them, but I don’t think they all will be back.

I would hate to see the Bruins not give Caron or Knight a real good chance in making the club. I think they both have more upside than Zach Hamill. Fortunately, I think Dougie Hamilton is an untouchable.

Speaking of “The Youngsters” I just read that Ferlin was in the group of five that were the final cuts from the USA WJC team. Too bad. I was looking forward to seeing him play. The USA team looks pretty stacked.

B16 – I agree, and I’m not trying to pit forwards vs. defense here at all.

I don’t understand your trade comment however. The Bs won’t be trading any of those UFAs, I don’t think – they are absolutely integral to this team, and PC ain’t breaking up a club poised to repeat. The kids? I’m sorry, but unless you traded ALL of them, I don’t think you’ll find any takers for a high draft pick. Hamill’s stock has risen a bit, but neither of Arniel nor Sauve are worth much. Spooner, Khokhlachev, Knight? They are going no where until they’ve at least skated the garden ice in my opinion.

Alot will change from now ’til July, but I think PC has to do all he can to hold this club together for one more season to allow one or two of those kids the time to develop and be ready to take on the role of a Kelly, Campbell or Paille. And on a team like the Bs – who are built on depth and D – Not stars and stats – each role is pretty critical.

I think Boychuk is more a priority than some of those forwards because he’s improved, and the B’s are not as deep with D-men as they are with forwards. As well, our defence as a group is under-rated, and Boychuk is big part of its success. I think some of those forwards are going to be packaged off for someone or very high draft pick. Hamill is my first choice to go.

I think Boychuk is more a priority than some of those forwards because he’s improved, and the B’s are not as deep with D-men as they are with forwards. As well, our defence as a group is under-rated, and Boychuk is big part of its success. I think some of those forwards are going to be packaged off for someone or very high draft pick. Hamill is my first choice to go.

I don’t think any of them make it, but so much depends on what PC can put together for contracts for a bunch of role players. It’s going to be interesting: Kelly, Campbell, Paille, Thorton all UFAs. But if I had to choose one, it’d be Knight because I think of that lot he’s most likely to hold up physically and play the role of grinder – maybe Arniel. Sauve’s been a disappointment, and I think Hamill gets traded at the deadline. Koko and Spooner have a long ways to go physically.

The D is a lot easier. I think they sign Johnny Rocket and slide Mr. Hamilton in Corvo’s slot – or maybe if they can sign Corvo or similar for one year, Hamilton bides his time as the 7th.

I love the GM aspect of this team right now. No pressure, and tons of options.

Everyone keeps talking about the young forwards: Arniel, Sauve, Knight, Spooner (even Kochochev down the road). So … Who stands the greatest chance of making it this or next season? Who moves on? Julien loves his veterans.

Yeah rest him for Caron.
I agree that I’m loving the moves from last year by PC.
Like what Peverly brings to the team (Kelly, too!)
I complained a little that PC overpaid for Pevs contact extension considering he’s a 3rd line guy and probably will be for the rest of the contract.
But, the guy is very good.
I’m hoping he works out like Ference.
You don’t hear people moaning about his contract anymore!

I say it’s the last game before holiday and they have been beating everyone. If some one needs the night off so be it. To over anaylize this would be shamfull given yhe team s effort, hell Claude has earned the night off!!!!

Bruins16, you’re right about seeing Stuart go. Wouldn’t change a thing mind you, we got the best out of that deal, but Stu was a great d-man. I’ve watched a few Jets games this year and he is looking great. He will wear a “C” for some team in this league before he is done. Wheeler however has looked like his old self. Lots of skill but can’t stay on-side and always a step behind when defending so he takes a lot of penalties.

I agree, give him a couple of games at least. Jordan Caron was not playing badly when Claude decided to go with Pouliot. Our defense and goaltending have been really good, so we will still be formidable.

Yukster

Your right, Peverley has been outstanding. I didn’t like to trade Mark Stuart, but it has worked out.

First of all – we keep hearing this undisclosed injury stuff – but can anyone recognize the least bit of hindrance in his game?! The guys on fire, and seems to still be quick laterally.. My take, this is what? The third or fourth time they’ve worked to find him a rest day. Give him 2 weeks straight (5-6 games tops?) and let him heal completely. In my mind you are asking for trouble with this cycle of strain and rest.

Raise your hands those of you that thought Pevs would be second in team scoring and tops in assists. Amazing trade indeed! Remind me who Wheeler is again…